Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Kale

Alfredo pasta is a classic and simple dish that uses cream, butter, garlic, and parmesan to create a rich sauce to coat whatever pasta you are using. I like adding in lacinato kale to add a little extra texture, color and nutrition. For this dish I made some homemade pasta (highly recommend!!) but you can always use store bought pasta as well.

Ingredients for Pasta Alfredo with Kale:

• Heavy Cream
• Butter
• Garlic
• Parmesan Cheese
• Pasta of choice
• Chopped Kale
• Squeeze of lemon to brighten this dish at the end

I start by simmering the heavy cream to get it to reduce down and thicken for about 5-7 minutes, do not let this come to a boil. You can do this in a small saucepan while you work on your other ingredients.

In large skillet, melt your butter and then add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, then add in your chopped kale. Let the kale wilt and cook down for a minute and then add in your heavy cream.

In a separate pot, cook your pasta in salted water and reserve 1 cup of pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.

Pour your drain pasta right on top of the creamy sauce in your skillet. Turn off the heat, pur the shredded parm on top, and mix until it coats the pasta. Add in a splash of pasta water if the sauce is looking too thick.

Tips for Homemade Pasta

Now I have tried many different homemade pasta recipes and ratio and what I have discovered is that this process is really very forgiving. For the dough, a ratio that tends to work really well for me is 4 eggs to 2 cups of flour (I use half all purpose and half freshly milled khorasan) Add a pinch of salt and knead your heart away until it looks smooth. Let the dough rest for 20-30 minutes before working with it. I prefer to let mine rest on the counter for 10 minutes and then chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before I roll it out. Flour the pasta generously as you roll it out, to prevent sticking, and try to not lay the rolled out pasta on top of each other. Drape the pasta over a cabinet, counter, chair, etc. while you work. Cut to desired shape and boil for 2 minutes in salted water. Use a spider skimmer to remove the pasta from the water and transfer directly to the skillet.

Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Kale

A simple, classic, creamy pasta alfredo with kale.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner, pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups packed lacinato kale chopped
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 lb pasta cooked in salted water. Reserve 1 cup pasta water
• Fresh squeeze of lemon juice
• 4 oz shredded parmesan
• salt – to taste This cream sauce may not need much salt at all as the parmesan adds a good but of saltiness and if you add any salty pasta water it also seasons it. Taste and adjust accordingly

Method

 

1. Start by gently simmering the heavy cream to help it reduce and thicken, about 5–7 minutes. Do not let it come to a boil. You can do this in a small saucepan while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook down for 1–2 minutes until it begins to wilt.
3. Pour in the reduced heavy cream and stir to combine. Let everything simmer gently so the sauce can come together and thicken slightly. Season with fresh cracked pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet , top with the parmesan, and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt if needed.
5. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, so loosen with a little more pasta water if needed before serving. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce.